How can a GI blood panel explain my dog's high WBC and appetite?

Question

Trixie has IBD issues for about 5 yrs, never confirmed this with a biopsy but selected protein food fixed her issues until recently when her appetite started lacking. Labs shows nothing abnormal except elevated WBC count. My vet sent me to internal med vet for biopsy but she opted to do abdominal ultrasound first which also shows nothing abnormal. The internal medicine vet is running a GI bloodwork panel. What might this tell her? Could it explain the inflammation thats causing elevated WBC? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 11.5 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

A GI panel looks for signs of pancreatitis and/or pancreatic insufficiency and also tests cobalamin and folate levels. Since pancreatitis can cause elevated white blood cells it could be related, but any stress or illness can cause a mild increase in the white blood count. Cobalamin and folate can be abnormal with any small intestinal disease, and often cobalamin (Vitamin B12) needs to be supplemented. It sounds like Trixie is getting a thorough workup and hopefully you will determine what has caused her decreased appetite soon.

How can a GI blood panel explain my dog's high WBC and appetite?

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